Number: RS20026
Title: Banking's Proposed "Know Your Customer" Rules
Authors: M. Maureen Murphy, American Law Division 
Abstract: On December 7, 1998, the federal banking regulators invited comments on proposed regulations that would require banks and thrifts to develop formal policies and procedures whereby they could identify unusual transactions in customers' accounts to report as suspicious activity in conjunction with the federal laws outlawing money laundering. Small banks criticized the increased costs of screening. Individuals and businesses raised privacy concerns. Although there were varied proposals before the 106th Congress on the issue, no legislation was enacted. The issue likeliest to command attention in the 107th Congress is international money laundering. There have been recent instances in which banking regulators imposed corrective action comparable to the Know Your Customer requirements on the several international banking institutions after unearthing potential money laundering activity.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated August 31, 2001